Copper oxide foam with high specific surface area for electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to C₂₊ products

Abstract

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) for the synthesis of high‐energy‐density and high‐value multi‐carbon (C2+) products has demonstrated considerable potential for practical applications. In this work, we design a novel copper oxide foam (OD‐Cu foam) catalyst through a high‐temperature calcination process, characterized by a substantial specific surface area. The distinctive three‐dimensional structure of the OD‐Cu foam catalyst and the metal oxide particles covered on its surface provide abundant active sites. The total Faradaic efficiency of 57.3% for C2+ products over the OD‐Cu foam is achieved at −0.85 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Furthermore, the partial current density for C2+ products over the OD‐Cu foam reaches 44.1 mA cm−2 at −0.95 V versus RHE, surpassing significantly that both of Cu foam (3.4 mA cm−2) and copper oxide foil (OD‐Cu foil) (1.6 mA cm−2). In addition, the integrated structure of the OD‐Cu foam, which does not require complex preparation processes, facilitates its application in CO2RR. These results underscore the significance of three‐dimensional structure and high specific surface area, emphasizing the considerable potential of this catalyst for effective and sustainable CO2 conversion.